Lahat ng Kabanata ng Claiming My Father’s Best Friend : Kabanata 1 - Kabanata 10

ASTRID “Don’t you dare walk out on me, Astrid, this is all your fault!” Tristan barks, his eyes bulging as rage burns in their depth.He’s being ridiculous and the last thing I want to do tonight is stand here and listen to him act like a fucking child. I grab the door handle and cross the threshold, stepping into the balcony. Before I can take another step, I hear his footsteps hard and fast behind me, and then the scent of his cologne wafts into my nostrils, making me feel nauseous and irritated.“Go away, Tristan. I have nothing to say to you.” I mutter, closing my eyes as the cold air brushes my skin. The sun has set and the cloud is darkening with an intensity that matches the storm brewing inside of me, casting an ominous shadow over everything I’ve believed in for the past three years.Tristan and I met at a fundraiser three years ago. It wasn’t love at first sight but a bond that was fostered by our parents’ stance in society. His father, Keith Blackwood owns half the city

ASTRIDThe moonlight that looms over the tall building gives a mysterious quality. I glance around the parking lot as Lilly puts the car in park.“It’s jam-packed. Why don’t we check out another bar, Ritz Perhaps?” I ask Lilly, my voice betraying my chagrin.A host of bitter feeling hurdles in my belly as the past week flickers in my mind. Tristan has been texting nonstop making millions of promises and vowing his devotion. I hate the intrusion. The fact that he’s failed to see there’s nothing left for us makes me resent him more.How can he not see that what we shared was toxic? We fought about everything and he was ever – barely on the same page with him. If I suggest we visit a certain location for vacation, he’d end up booking suites in another country and cajoling me into accepting his decision.Foolish me! I always did! I was so blind, so enamored by his charms and the man he pretended to be when he wasn’t acting like a dick.“You’re going to ruin my car seat if you keep on grip

ASTRID With my finger linked through his, the man who has my body in knots leads me to a car parked at the curb."I was here with friends. And I think I saw you with a girl, right?"I nod, wondering why he's bringing up other people when he's supposed to be rushing into the backseat of the car with me.The driver, a tall man with sunglasses, holds the door open and bows his head."Good evening, Sir. Ma'am."The older man beckons me to slide into the car first, then turns around to face the driver."David, I need you to go and tell the others that I'm leaving.""Alright, Sir."He steps into the car, then David closes the door, and walks back into the building.I lean in and kiss him leisurely on the lips. "I had no idea you came here with anyone."He savors my lips for a long minute, cupping my face with his large palms. When he pulls back, his vivid blue eyes gleam with arousal."I did it in exchange for a favor. At first, I didn't want to come. Spaces like this are not in my wheelho

JORDAN I stand at the window in my office and refuse to pace as a jumbled mess of thoughts swirls in my mind. Last night was more than I expected. When Ethan and Marcus requested that I tag along to the bar, I wasn't keen on the idea. For starters, I just got back from Italy, and the last thing I want to do is socialize. I have several appointments lined up, dinner meetings, and the search for my childhood best friend is also on the schedule.Ethan has promised to provide me with information, but I still have to play my part.Footsteps echo outside the door and then a rap before I notice the handle twisting."Good morning, Mr. Remington."I whip my head around to face her. It's Madison, my PA here. "Is it time already?""Yes, Sir. Everyone is seated in the conference room." She hands me a file and an iPad. "There, I've compiled the names of all the board members, their shares, and the contact information since you just got a new phone."I thumb through the lighted screen. True to her

JORDAN I scowl at my phone as I dial the number on the screen for the umpteenth time since I got back to the State. I know it’s futile but a part of me is hoping for a miracle.I miss my best friend and I’d do anything to see him again. I’ve contacted a private Investigator and he’s combing the whole city for Peter Volkov. Has he relocated to another city? He’s never for once mentioned leaving New York. Business expansions and vacations, yes, but packing up to another country has never been in his books.My mind flickers to the last time I saw him. He had accompanied me to the airport. Bade farewell amid hugs and playful punches to my arms.A black minivan pulls into the spot beside my car. I pay little attention to it as I dial the number again. It is fast becoming an unconscious action. My head snaps up as I catch sight of a familiar figure.“Is that the Mayor?”My driver nods. “Yes, Sir.”Lucas Lonel. I remember him from my college days and early last year. I saw his campaign flie